Remember when Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team gave Tony Ferguson six days to sign a bout agreement? Well it appears “The Eagle’s” camp got tired of waiting and are going in another direction.
ESPN’s Brett Ok…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ZddeXFjPU
Remember when Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team gave Tony Ferguson six days to sign a bout agreement? Well it appears “The Eagle’s” camp got tired of waiting and are going in another direction.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto was told Nurmagomedov is ready to face the next highest ranked lightweight without a fight. Here is his tweet:
I'm told by Khabib's management he is "moving on" from Ferguson. Looking to fight "highest ranked guy" at UFC 209. Chiesa possibly.
Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz confirmed that his fighter was indeed looking at No. 8 ranked 155-pounder Michael Chiesa as a potential opponent for UFC 209. He also said “The Eagle” will begin training in a couple of days.
he start his camp in San Jose on Monday. If chiesa want to get it he's the highest ranked guy with no fight he can get it
If this holds true, it appears current featherweight champion Jose Aldo will be losing out on his bid for an interim lightweight title showdown with Nurmagomedov. Aldo said he was offered the bout, but “The Eagle” turned it down. Nurmagomedov has shown disinterest in the fight and claimed he doesn’t “bully the little.”
Chiesa may not be the first person fight fans would’ve thought of, but he may very well be the only one available. Eddie Alvarez is still recovering from his knockout loss to current champion Conor McGregor, Rafael dos Anjos is moving up in weight, Edson Barboza is booked, and Nate Diaz wants $20 million.
Don’t mistake the “Maverick” for a slouch. Chiesa reigned supreme on season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). He hit a couple of snags when he was submitted by Jorge Masvidal and lost via doctor’s stoppage against Joe Lauzon, but Chiesa has seven wins inside the Octagon.
Of those seven wins, five have come by way of submission. All of Chiesa’s career submission wins have come via some form of a choke. Moral of the story here is, don’t let him grab a hold of your neck.
UFC 209 is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 4. Heavyweights Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt will clash on the card. The event is still without a headliner.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight Todd Duffee returned to the UFC in late 2012. The American Top Team fighter had a previous UFC run that surprisingly ended after his upset knockout loss to Mike Russow at UFC 114. In his current run, Duffee is 2-1 with both wins coming by way of knockout.
Following his knockout loss to Frank Mir in July 2015, Duffee had a decision to make. He could either complete his contract with one fight remaining to test free agency, or re-sign with the UFC. Duffee decided to stick with his current home.
The heavyweight’s decision to stay was down to money and safety. He told ESPN that he isn’t one to play around with fire:
“Business-wise, you’re paying to play at that point. I was making [$12,000 to show, $12,000 to win]. You’ve got to take time off work to focus on the task at hand, because you’re going to fight another man in a cage. You’re not going to take that lightly. You’re not going to play with that. That could have long-term effects on your life.”
Duffee will be facing Mark Godbeer in his first fight under the new contract. The U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA) has made a profound impact on the UFC. Whether you praise what the agency is doing, or criticize it for inconsistencies, its presence can’t be denied.
For Duffee, this system being in place is another aspect of the UFC that makes the promotion legit. He also praised the UFC for its simplicity and the way they handled the knockout loss he suffered in his last bout.
“And this might sound crazy, but USADA — you don’t have that anywhere else. This is a real league. Top to bottom, it’s an organization that makes things easy. They took great care of me after my fight with Mir.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0Sp3_bPhgI
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight Todd Duffee returned to the UFC in late 2012. The American Top Team fighter had a previous UFC run that surprisingly ended after his upset knockout loss to Mike Russow at UFC 114. In his current run, Duffee is 2-1 with both wins coming by way of knockout.
Following his knockout loss to Frank Mir in July 2015, Duffee had a decision to make. He could either complete his contract with one fight remaining to test free agency, or re-sign with the UFC. Duffee decided to stick with his current home.
The heavyweight’s decision to stay was down to money and safety. He told ESPN that he isn’t one to play around with fire:
“Business-wise, you’re paying to play at that point. I was making [$12,000 to show, $12,000 to win]. You’ve got to take time off work to focus on the task at hand, because you’re going to fight another man in a cage. You’re not going to take that lightly. You’re not going to play with that. That could have long-term effects on your life.”
Duffee will be facing Mark Godbeer in his first fight under the new contract. The U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA) has made a profound impact on the UFC. Whether you praise what the agency is doing, or criticize it for inconsistencies, its presence can’t be denied.
For Duffee, this system being in place is another aspect of the UFC that makes the promotion legit. He also praised the UFC for its simplicity and the way they handled the knockout loss he suffered in his last bout.
“And this might sound crazy, but USADA — you don’t have that anywhere else. This is a real league. Top to bottom, it’s an organization that makes things easy. They took great care of me after my fight with Mir.”
After quite a rough 2016, heavyweight knockout artist Mark Hunt is slated to return at UFC 209. Although ‘The Super Samoan’ got off to a great start last year, he ran in to a heap of problems at UFC 200. Having starched former champion Frank Mir in March, Hunt wanted to make it two former
After quite a rough 2016, heavyweight knockout artist Mark Hunt is slated to return at UFC 209. Although ‘The Super Samoan’ got off to a great start last year, he ran in to a heap of problems at UFC 200. Having starched former champion Frank Mir in March, Hunt wanted to make it two former belt holders in one year. Taking on WWE star Brock Lesnar on July 9, Hunt was stuffed and smothered as Lesnar took the in on the judges scorecards. Six months later, and Lesnar’s win has been overturned to a no-contest, and Hunt was on the brink of retirement.
Once again USADA claimed a big scalp, as the doping agency revealed Lesnar’s failed screen just days after the event. Reacting to the news, the K-1 and Pride veteran went as far as seeking a lawsuit against the UFC. A number of explicit tirades showed the sheer frustration ‘The Super Samoan’ was feeling. Then came the reports of a comeback fight at UFC 209. Almost immediately Hunt again showed his displeasure with the UFC. It seemed he was the last one to find out about this fight being booked.
Credit: Matt Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Hunt’s Reason
Speaking with Stuff.co.nz, Mark Hunt clears up the confusion around UFC 209. The dangerous striker will indeed return, but it’s not to avenge his loss to Alistair Overeem, but simply because he has no choice:
“I’m not young, I’m 42 years old. In six months I’ve already missed out on a couple of fights, I’ve already missed out on a couple million dollars,” Hunt said. At the end of the day I’ve stuck to my word. I’ve got no option, I’m in a contract that I can’t get out of.
“All the doors I’ve gone through are closed and it’s not like I can go and work somewhere else. Ages ago I was gladly ready to walk away and work somewhere else but they wouldn’t allow it. Think it from my position, I had no other option. I can’t work anywhere else so what am I supposed to do – let my family starve?”
Steroid Clause
Hunt also revealed he’s yet to get a response to his request for a steroid clause. Taking in to consideration ‘The Reem’s’ shady past, but also clean recent history, Hunt says he will personally sue the Dutchman if he fails a test after their fight:
“Every fighter I fight, if he gets caught through the process then I’ll sue him personally,” he added. “If I don’t get help from the company I’ll do it myself. They (dopers) should be struck from the records and taken everything off them. They don’t deserve to get a cent. This sport is already harsh enough as it is. When you add in steroid use it makes it even worse.”
Mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran Mark Hunt isn’t backing down on his stance regarding performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). “Super Samoan” was enraged when he found out his UFC 200 opponent Brock Lesnar failed two drug tests. Lesnar was suspended for a year by both the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA).
In addition, the result of the bout has been changed from a unanimous decision win for Lesnar, to a no contest. Lesnar was also fined $250,000. Hunt refused to stay silent during the process, ripping the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and taking USADA to task over their testing guidelines.
Hunt is scheduled to fight Alistair Overeem at UFC 209 on March 4. In 2012, Overeem was suspended for nine months by the NSAC after a positive test result for elevated testosterone levels.
“Super Samoan” spoke with New Zealand news website Stuff.co.nz to explain why he agreed to the fight amid his dissension with the UFC:
“At the end of the day I’ve stuck to my word. I’ve got no option, I’m in a contract that I can’t get out of. All the doors I’ve gone through are closed and it’s not like I can go and work somewhere else. Ages ago I was gladly ready to walk away and work somewhere else but they wouldn’t allow it. Think (about) it from my position, I had no other option. I can’t work anywhere else so what am I supposed to do – let my family starve?”
Hunt has plans in place to protect himself should another one of his opponents fail a drug test.
“Every fighter I fight, if he gets caught through the process then I’ll sue him personally. If I don’t get help from the company I’ll do it myself. They (dopers) should be struck from the records and taken everything off them. They don’t deserve to get a cent. This sport is already harsh enough as it is. When you add in steroid use it makes it even worse.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYnJHjnsa-U
Mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran Mark Hunt isn’t backing down on his stance regarding performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). “Super Samoan” was enraged when he found out his UFC 200 opponent Brock Lesnar failed two drug tests. Lesnar was suspended for a year by both the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA).
In addition, the result of the bout has been changed from a unanimous decision win for Lesnar, to a no contest. Lesnar was also fined $250,000. Hunt refused to stay silent during the process, ripping the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and taking USADA to task over their testing guidelines.
Hunt is scheduled to fight Alistair Overeem at UFC 209 on March 4. In 2012, Overeem was suspended for nine months by the NSAC after a positive test result for elevated testosterone levels.
“Super Samoan” spoke with New Zealand news website Stuff.co.nz to explain why he agreed to the fight amid his dissension with the UFC:
“At the end of the day I’ve stuck to my word. I’ve got no option, I’m in a contract that I can’t get out of. All the doors I’ve gone through are closed and it’s not like I can go and work somewhere else. Ages ago I was gladly ready to walk away and work somewhere else but they wouldn’t allow it. Think (about) it from my position, I had no other option. I can’t work anywhere else so what am I supposed to do – let my family starve?”
Hunt has plans in place to protect himself should another one of his opponents fail a drug test.
“Every fighter I fight, if he gets caught through the process then I’ll sue him personally. If I don’t get help from the company I’ll do it myself. They (dopers) should be struck from the records and taken everything off them. They don’t deserve to get a cent. This sport is already harsh enough as it is. When you add in steroid use it makes it even worse.”
A featherweight bout between undefeated prospect Mirsad Bektic (11-0) and Darren Elkins (21-5) will take place at UFC 209 inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The two 145-pounders will clash on March 4.
Bektic made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut back in April 2014 on the UFC Fight Pass portion of the UFC on FOX: Werdum vs. Browne card. He bested Chas Skelly via majority decision. A unanimous decision win over Paul Redmond the following year improved Bektic’s record to 9-0.
The Bosnian earned his first finish inside the Octagon by knocking out Lucas Martins in May 2015. Bektic’s last bout was against Russell Doane at UFC 204. He submitted Doane in the first round.
Elkins is on a three-fight winning streak. Following a decision loss to Hacran Dias, Elkins battled Robert Whiteford in the fall of 2015. “The Damage” earned a unanimous decision victory. It was his first win in a year. The Team Alpha Male fighter took on Skelly at UFC 196 and won his second straight bout.
“The Damage’s” last fight was in July 2016 against Godofredo Pepey. Elkins earned his 11th UFC victory and 10th as a featherweight. Elkins is hoping to keep the winning streak going and earn the title shot that has eluded him throughout his career. He was on the cusp of a title opportunity, but he was knocked out by his current teammate Chad Mendes back in April 2013. The loss snapped his five-fight winning streak.
UFC 209 is expected to feature a heavyweight tilt between Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt. A lightweight clash between Lando Vannata and David Teymur is also set for the event. The other recently announced bout will showcase the returning Todd Duffee looking for his first win since Dec. 2014. His opponent will be Mark Godbeer.
No main event has been set for UFC 209. Stick with MMANews.com as more details on UFC 209 roll along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1YTTLwWprU
A featherweight bout between undefeated prospect Mirsad Bektic (11-0) and Darren Elkins (21-5) will take place at UFC 209 inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The two 145-pounders will clash on March 4.
Bektic made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut back in April 2014 on the UFC Fight Pass portion of the UFC on FOX: Werdum vs. Browne card. He bested Chas Skelly via majority decision. A unanimous decision win over Paul Redmond the following year improved Bektic’s record to 9-0.
The Bosnian earned his first finish inside the Octagon by knocking out Lucas Martins in May 2015. Bektic’s last bout was against Russell Doane at UFC 204. He submitted Doane in the first round.
Elkins is on a three-fight winning streak. Following a decision loss to Hacran Dias, Elkins battled Robert Whiteford in the fall of 2015. “The Damage” earned a unanimous decision victory. It was his first win in a year. The Team Alpha Male fighter took on Skelly at UFC 196 and won his second straight bout.
“The Damage’s” last fight was in July 2016 against Godofredo Pepey. Elkins earned his 11th UFC victory and 10th as a featherweight. Elkins is hoping to keep the winning streak going and earn the title shot that has eluded him throughout his career. He was on the cusp of a title opportunity, but he was knocked out by his current teammate Chad Mendes back in April 2013. The loss snapped his five-fight winning streak.
UFC 209 is expected to feature a heavyweight tilt between Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt. A lightweight clash between Lando Vannata and David Teymur is also set for the event. The other recently announced bout will showcase the returning Todd Duffee looking for his first win since Dec. 2014. His opponent will be Mark Godbeer.
No main event has been set for UFC 209. Stick with MMANews.com as more details on UFC 209 roll along.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has added a heavyweight tilt to their UFC 209 card. MMAFighting.com has confirmed Todd Duffee (9-3) will return to the Octagon to meet Mark Godbeer (11-3). The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 4.
Duffee’s last bout was against Frank Mir back in Summer 2015. The American Top Team fighter was knocked out cold in the first round. Fortunately for Duffee, he recently signed a four-fight extension with the UFC and will get a chance to get back on track.
Godbeer’s UFC debut wasn’t a successful one. The former Bellator and BAMMA heavyweight was submitted in the first round by Justin Ledet at UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2.
UFC 209 is starting to shape up, but a main event has not been announced. A heavyweight clash between Mark Hunt and Alistair Overeem was announced by the UFC, but it hasn’t been named as the headliner. Also on tap for the event is a lightweight scrap between Lando Vannata and David Teymur.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTxzKD-NSRU
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has added a heavyweight tilt to their UFC 209 card. MMAFighting.com has confirmed Todd Duffee (9-3) will return to the Octagon to meet Mark Godbeer (11-3). The event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 4.
Duffee’s last bout was against Frank Mir back in Summer 2015. The American Top Team fighter was knocked out cold in the first round. Fortunately for Duffee, he recently signed a four-fight extension with the UFC and will get a chance to get back on track.
Godbeer’s UFC debut wasn’t a successful one. The former Bellator and BAMMA heavyweight was submitted in the first round by Justin Ledet at UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2.
UFC 209 is starting to shape up, but a main event has not been announced. A heavyweight clash between Mark Hunt and Alistair Overeem was announced by the UFC, but it hasn’t been named as the headliner. Also on tap for the event is a lightweight scrap between Lando Vannata and David Teymur.
